The right daily walking distance to improve fitness, according to research

The right daily walking distance to improve fitness, according to research

Times of Indiahealth

Key Points:

  • The widely promoted 10,000 steps-a-day goal originated from a 1960s Japanese marketing campaign, not scientific research, and recent studies show significant health benefits can be achieved with fewer steps tailored to individual needs.
  • Research indicates that 8,000 daily steps reduce all-cause mortality risk by 51% compared to 4,000 steps, with benefits starting as low as 2,500 steps; for people under 60, benefits plateau at 8,000-10,000 steps, while those over 60 gain from 6,000-8,000 steps.
  • For weight loss, a higher volume and intensity of walking are recommended, with 10,000 to 12,000 steps daily